Judith McDonough

Judith Marcia McDonough, 81, of Alexandria, MN, passed away on August 3, 2022 at Alomere Health in Alexandria.

Judy was born February 1, 1941, to David and Marjorie (Neumann) Bogie in Glenwood, MN. After graduating from Glenwood High School, she earned her BA from Moorhead State University in 1964, majoring in English and Teaching. She earned her MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas.

Judy loved teaching literature and writing as an English teacher at Forest Lake Senior High School, Forest Lake, MN, from which she retired. She also adored the French language and taught it to junior high school students. Some of her fondest teaching memories included regular trips to Quebec City and Montreal with students, including her daughter at 13.

Travel with family was one of Judy’s favorite pastimes. Montana was her most beloved destination, having taken several trips there with her parents and kids. She remarked she could see herself as a “pioneer woman.” In recent years, she delighted in exploring gold country on visits with her son Mark. Other highlights included exploring the streets of Prague and castles of the Czech Republic with her daughter. Judy was always up for a chat, and she enjoyed friendships near and far.

Being in nature gave Judy great solace and inspiration, and she loved to hike in state parks or spend days tending to her beautiful garden. She was a devoted caretaker for her family’s cabin on Lake Villard in MN, which her father built. She felt great contentment looking out at the lake, listening to the birds, and connecting with her family, in person and through memories. Her deep faith in God sustained her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Patty Jean Anderson, and brother-in-law Paul “Buzz” Anderson.

Judy is survived by her children Jeff McDonough of Los Angeles, CA, Anne McDonough of St. Paul, MN, and Mark McDonough of Canyon Creek, MT; her sister Bonnie (Jim) Raschke of Hastings, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria.  Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Friday. Burial will be at St. John’s Cemetery in Villard, MN.